Read the following summary that includes a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt on the bully pulpit. "President Roosevelt, sitting at his desk, was reading to a few friends a forthcoming message. At the close of a paragraph 'of a distinctly ethical character' he wheeled about and said: 'I suppose my critics will call that preaching, but I have got such a bully pulpit!" Why does President Roosevelt use the imagery of a pulpit?
A. The president always uses a pulpit to speak from like religious leaders.
B. The president supports a specific religion for Americans.
C. The president threatens people with harm or danger to achieve presidential objectives.
The president has a reponsibility to lead the public to seek a better society like religious leaders.
The correct answer is: The president has a responsibility to lead the public to seek a better society like religious leaders.
The correct answer is D. The president has a responsibility to lead the public to seek a better society like religious leaders.
President Roosevelt uses the imagery of a pulpit to emphasize the influential power and responsibility that comes with his role as president. The pulpit is traditionally a platform that religious leaders stand on to deliver sermons and share moral guidance with their congregation. By referring to his position as a "bully pulpit," President Roosevelt indicates that his role allows him to effectively advocate for the betterment of society and promote ethical values, similar to how religious leaders seek to inspire and guide their followers.
The correct answer is D. The president has a responsibility to lead the public to seek a better society like religious leaders.
President Roosevelt uses the imagery of a pulpit because he sees the presidency as a platform or a stage from which he can influence and shape public opinion. Just like a religious leader stands on a pulpit to deliver sermons and guide their followers, Roosevelt uses the term "bully pulpit" to convey that the presidency provides him with a unique opportunity to use his position of authority to lead and inspire the public towards positive change.
By referencing the pulpit, Roosevelt is emphasizing his belief that the president has a responsibility to not only govern the country but also to use his influence to advocate for and promote ethical values and policies. He acknowledges that his message might be perceived as "preaching," but he embraces it by declaring that he has such a "bully pulpit," meaning he has a powerful platform to deliver important messages and encourage people to strive for a better society.